This study was performed to evaluate the long-term effect of 0.05% cyclosporine A emulsion (Restasis, Allergan Inc. USA.) on dry eye associated with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

Sixteen eyes of 8 patients with severe dry eye associated with GVHD were treated with 0.05% cyclosporine A emulsion twice a day. Tear film parameters were evaluated before treatment and after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment.

One month after treatment, tear break-up time improved from 3.88±1.78 s to 4.17±1.90 s ( P =0.02). Three months after treatment, symptom score and basal secretion improved from 3.00±0.38 and 4.44±1.59 mm to 2.33±0.52 ( P =0.04) and 5.42±2.50 mm ( P =0.04), respectively. Twelve months after treatment, the keratoepitheliopathy score improved from 2.38±1.31 to 1.13±0.35 ( P =0.02).

Use of a 0.05% cyclosporine A emulsion is effective for dry eye associated with GVHD as it helps to increase tear secretion and to relieve symptoms. Treatment with 0.05% cyclosporine A emulsion for longer than 1 year may be necessary to improve keratoepitheliopathy.